Sunday, March 29, 2015

the words "blue-collar" "white-collar" were used a lot in the film. however, shinya says he doesn't really care what color his collar is. (he always wears tees so there's no collar really.) in Japan, it has been said "all occupation that brings honest is honorable. and working with your hands is beautiful." not trying to say it's true or false but that's how many of us raised and that's what shinya wanted to tell in the film. "it's a matter of spiritual intention," he says.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

it's thursday and we came to Irwindale speedway in high spirits because Wata said he was so ready! reality, however, was not that simple. he couldn't pass the tech because one of the veteran tech pointed out that the stock stud bolts that he has been using for his drag slicks were too short and they were dangerous that they would not let him race tonight.

we came really early tonight because it was Wata's last night in America and he wanted to race as much as possible. during these early hours, there are no spectators but some regular racers racing without any waiting. so sad to just sitting at the grandstand and watching others racing. poor Wata...明日帰国する盲点突かないモーテンツクツク氏、今日は早目にドラッグ・ストリップに来て、じゃんじゃん走るぞ！というのでこんなに明るい内から到着。この時間帯は観客なんていない。ただ常連のレーサー達が待ち時間なしでじゃんじゃん走っているという、セッティング出したりするには最高の時間帯。ガラガラのグランドスタンドにポツーンと座る見学組。かなり残念な感じ。